Updated: Numerous fires burning in Siskiyou County

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Posted Aug. 2, 2014 at 11:07 AM
Updated Aug 4, 2014 at 1:20 PM

Posted Aug. 2, 2014 at 11:07 AM
Updated Aug 4, 2014 at 1:20 PM

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Update: The Little Deer fire located north of Grass Lake near Little Deer Mountain on the Goosenest Ranger District of the Klamath National Forest has grown to 900 acres. Forest Service and CAL FIRE crews are finding it difficult to contain the fire due to extreme fire behavior and frequent spot fires.

The Little Deer fire is burning very close to Highway 97, and motorists are encouraged to slow down and use caution when driving in the fire area. Although no structures are threatened at this time, the fire is threatening Highway 97, private timberlands and the Union Pacific Railroad.

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Fire officials estimate that 2,867 acres are burning at various locations in the Klamath National Forest in Siskiyou County, Calif., forcing evacuations and a number of trail closures, including segments of the Pacific Crest Trail.

California National Incident Management Team #1 assumed command of the July Complex today at 6 a.m. The complex is composed of the Leef, Whites and Log fires.

A community meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. at Etna High School, and another community meeting is being planned for the Quartz Valley area on Sunday.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered at approximately 9 p.m. Friday by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office to the residents of Beaver Creek. Evacuees can utilize the Red Cross shelter at the Jackson Street Elementary School at 405 Jackson St., in Yreka. The evacuation center can also accommodate small animals and livestock, officials said.

A public meeting for the Beaver fire has been scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at the Klamath River Community Center.

The fire burned actively downslope toward the Beaver Creek drainage between about 3 and 11p.m. Friday, as winds picked up. Beaver Creek Road is closed to public access. As of 8 a.m. today, no structures had been destroyed.

Crews worked last night to prepare structures should fire encroach in the residential area, and to improve and hold containment lines. This work will continue today.

Weather today is predicted to be similar to yesterday, with high temperatures and winds picking up in the afternoon, which could again result in increased fire activity.

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Carter Meadows north to Etna Summit. The Whites Fire, estimated at 1,300 acres, is in proximity to the PCT and a number of trails feeding into the PCT.

The Shackleford Trail is in close proximity to the Log Fire, estimated at 317 acres, burning in the Shackleford Creek drainage west of Fort Jones, Calif.

Shackleford Road 43N21 is closed from mile marker 1 to the Shackleford Trailhead.

Most of the major wildfires, started by lightning July 30, are continuing to grow, with the exception of the Leef fire, which is holding at about 15 acres, CAL FIRE officials said.

The Beaver fire, located north of the Oak Knoll Work Station on Highway 96 is estimated at 600 acres.

The Whites fire, located northeast of Eddy Gulch Lookout, is estimated at 1,300 acres.

Log fire, located west of Fort Jones, is in the Shackleford Creek and Mill Creek drainages.

A new fire called the Little Deer fire, estimated at 200 to 300 acres, has been located on the southwest of Macdoel, on the Goosenest Ranger District. The remaining smaller lightning fire starts are either contained, controlled, or in monitoring status.